UAVs to stream video to Apaches

[unhappycamper]

UAVs to stream video to Apaches
Staff report
Posted : Friday Feb 1, 2008 14:06:32 EST

Aviators flying AH-64 Apache Longbows will soon be able to receive video from unmanned aerial systems for advance targeting information without going directly into enemy territory.

Demonstrated for the first time Thursday at the Army Aviation Senior Leaders Conference at Fort Rucker, Ala., the effort to place the transmission system in Apache cockpits is part of an Army rapid acquisition program to give those pilots greater advantage on the battlefield.

According to an Army press release, live footage from a Shadow Unmanned Aircraft System was streamed to the cockpit of an Apache helicopter through video from UAS for Interoperability Teaming Level II or VUIT-2.

“This is a big step for manned-unmanned teaming,” Apache project manager Col. Derek Paquette said in the release.

“Ultimately, VUIT-2 will increase the survivability and lethality of the Apache Longbow aircraft by providing aircrews and ground commanders increased situational awareness, decreased sensor-to-shooter timelines and increased reaction time.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/army_uavapache_080201w/